The rent increase formula
New rent = current rent × IRL for this year's reference quarter ÷ IRL for the same quarter of the previous year.
Example: a rent of €650 excluding charges, with Q2 as the reference quarter, reviewed in October 2026. The IRL for Q2 2026 is 148.37 and for Q2 2025 146.68. The new rent is 650 × 148.37 ÷ 146.68 = €657.49, i.e. €7.49 more a month.
The rules to follow
- A rent review clause in the lease: without it, the rent can't be reviewed during the lease.
- Once a year, on the date set in the lease or its anniversary (article 17-1 of the law of 6 July 1989).
- One year to ask for it: after that, the year's increase is lost. If requested late, it applies from the date of the request, never retroactively.
- No catching up: the increase can't exceed the change in the IRL over one year.
- Freeze for F and G homes: no increase possible for homes rated F or G on the DPE.
Every value of the index is in the IRL table, and the full process in the guide to rent increases. The letter to your tenant must be in French: Loyski Premium writes it for you.
Frequently asked questions
Which IRL should I use to increase the rent?
The one for the quarter stated in the lease. You compare the latest published IRL for that quarter, on the review date, with the IRL for the same quarter one year earlier. If the lease doesn't mention a quarter, the reference is the latest IRL published on the date the lease was signed.
When can I increase the rent?
Once a year, on the date set in the lease or, failing that, on its anniversary, and only if the lease contains a rent review clause.
Can a rent increase be backdated?
No. Since the ALUR law of 2014, the landlord has one year after the review date to ask for it. If requested late, it only applies from the date of the request; after one year, that year's increase is lost.
Can I catch up on years when the rent wasn't increased?
No. The increase can never exceed the change in the IRL over one year: forgotten years are lost.
Can rent for a home rated F or G be increased?
No. Since the Climate and Resilience law, the rent for homes rated F or G on the energy performance certificate (DPE) can no longer go up: not at the yearly review, not on renewal, not between two tenants (since 24 August 2022 in mainland France and 1 July 2024 overseas).
Does the increase apply to the charges?
No. Only the rent excluding charges is reviewed with the IRL. Charge advances are adjusted at the yearly reconciliation.
Updated 8 October 2026. This tool gives general information about French tenancy law and doesn't replace personal legal advice.